Judge grants bail to barrister in voicemail harassment case

A barrister has admitted leaving more than 120 voicemail messages described as “creepy” and “sexually intimidating” on a younger colleague’s mobile phone.

Paul McLoughlin (49), of North Circular Road, Dublin, changed his plea to guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on the third day of his trial. He had denied harassing Lorcan Staines (30) between May 1st, 2006, and May 14th, 2010.

Judge Patricia Ryan granted bail pending sentencing next month on condition that Mr McLoughlin not contact Mr Staines in any way. She also asked for a psychiatric report.

A jury earlier heard more than 60 of the voicemail messages that Mr Staines had recorded. Some repeatedly stated: “I want you to be my boyfriend.”

Mr Staines testified that listening to the messages was very upsetting and had also caused great distress to his wife.

When asked by prosecuting counsel Paul Carroll if he was worried about being watched, Mr Staines replied: “There was a message that said when I went into the bathroom I should look up and down, left and right, because I was being watched.”